How To Protect Your Dog From Halloween Hazards This Year

Halloween is coming up soon, and we all love the fall and spooky season decorations and treats, but some of them can be disastrous if your four-footed fur friends get hold of them. So here is a list of things you need to keep away from your dogs.

• Halloween candy - Especially chocolate. Candy is irresistible to all dogs; the smell and taste of it can lead a dog to eat its packaging and all, so don't even offer the temptation, and keep your Halloween goodies far away from your pups. Any chocolate can be hazardous to your dog. The excess sugar can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and the theobromine compound in chocolate (especially dark chocolate) can cause seizures and even death.
• Xylitol - This artificial sweetener is absolutely lethal to dogs. One stick of gum with xylitol can kill an 85-pound dog.
• Raisins - Whether they're in candy or on their own, they can cause digestive issues and even kidney failure.
• Pumpkins - Raw pumpkin can cause intestinal blockage and is a choking risk, too. (Cooked canned pumpkin can actually be good for a dog when your vet recommends it.)
• Glow sticks - The ingredients in these fun human decoration items can cause stomach upset and excess drooling in dogs.
• Pet costumes - Yes, they're really cute, but if your dog eats part of them, that's definitely not a good thing. So keep an eye on your fur baby if you're going to dress them up this Halloween.

So keep your dogs safe and happy this Halloween by avoiding the things on this list that can put their health and lives at risk.

READ MORE: October Brings New Sobriety Checkpoints Across South Dakota